4.3.3 Mechanical Materials Handling

Mechanical Materials Handling pertains to use of rigid, manually or mechanically-powered equipment mainly for handling bulky and heavy items.

The greatest benefit of using mechanical operations for materials handling tasks is the fact that it reduces the risk of worker injury by placing the burden on the machine or equipment.

There are types of materials handling equipment (MHE), manually-powered and mechanically-powered or automated MHE

Manually powered MHE
– reduce physical effort making the handling of materials easier and safer
– provide easy access
– protect the operator
– prevent any damage to materials

Examples:
– Trolleys
– Hand truck
– Pallet truck
– Cart
– Drum tilter
– Trolley
– Wheelbarrow

Mechanically-powered or automated MHE are classified as:

Lifting equipment
– Cranes
o Stationary
o Tower
o Overhead traveling
o Mobile (Wheel type, Crawler type, Gantry)

Transport equipment
– Industrial trucks
– Forklifts
– Tractors
– Trailers
– Dump trucks
– Conveyors

Materials Handling Accessories – Slings

A competent person needs to conduct inspection of slings before and during use. In addition, ensure that workers observe the following precautions when working with slings:
– remove immediately damaged or defective slings;
– do not shorten slings with knots or bolts or other makeshift devices;
– do not kink sling legs;
– do not load slings beyond their rated capacity;
– keep suspended loads clear of all obstructions;
– remain clear of loads about to be lifted and suspended;
– do not engage in over loading; and
– avoid sudden crane acceleration and deceleration when moving suspended loads.

Challenges with Mechanical/Automated Materials Handling Equipment

Although materials handling equipment offers plenty of benefits, there are also downsides such as:

– User safety
According to UK data (HSE, 2019) contact with moving machinery was responsible for 9% while getting struck by a moving vehicle and object lead to 31% fatal injuries. Activities like handling, lifting, and moving were responsible for 21% of non-fatal workplace injuries while getting struck by a moving object lead to 10% of workplace accidents.

– Inadequate Operating Knowledge
Lack of skilled and experienced workforce, makes it difficult to provide a safe workplace environment. The lack of such workforce leads to higher labor costs, turnover rates, human errors, and downtime.

– Human Error
Materials handling is also grappling with the element of human error, which often leads to inaccuracies. This, in turn, may lead to fatal accidents, damaged goods and production downtime.

Mechanical Handling Precautions
– Do not operate any equipment if not trained
– Operators are certified and authorized
– Handlers and operators trained in safety and health
– Equipment properly maintained and regularly inspected